Kelli Germeraad: Vanden’s Junior ROTC students receive national award

By Kelli’s Heroes, By Kelli Germeraad

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Each January the Vanden High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) holds its annual awards night. This is a special night in which outstanding cadets are awarded national awards from area veterans and military organizations. Deserving cadets must meet the high standards, set by the national organizations of academics, community service, patriotism, and leadership. In addition, awards nights offers the cadet group the opportunity to showcase to parents and community members the successes of both individual cadets and the group as a whole. It is a night where you learn about the many projects and events the students plan and facilitate each year both at school and in the community, while still attending class and doing school work. While Vanden’s cadet corps supports many events throughout the region, the bulk of their community service is with the Vacaville Veterans organizations. That partnership has been in existence for sixteen years, and they have become a large part of the fabric of the veteran’s community. Their participation in the Vacaville Veterans events has been vital in the support of our veterans. I have had the chance to personally see students excel both as leaders as well as involvement in the community. The Vacaville veterans have been so moved by the interaction with the students and the growth of the program, they held a special event last April to honor the 16 years of community service excellence that the Vanden JROTC cadets have provided. This program offers each cadet room to grow and achieve as individuals and as a team.

I am proud to salute this year’s national award recipients for a job well done. Congratulations to all of you, and your families for the achievements you have accomplished.

I would also like to take the opportunity to send a shout out to the local veterans and military organizations for their continued commitment to the JROTC program, by participation in this event. And finally I would be remiss to not acknowledge the instructors of the program, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Marian Collins and Aerospace Science Instructor Hollis Huvar for their commitment of improving and enhancing the lives of the students that pass through this program each year.